Welfare Families

As the state faces the possibility of a $7-million-plus penalty for failing to move two-parent families off of welfare, you call for leniency (editorial, Jan. 28). What of the recipient families facing time limits? Should they also be given latitude?

Sympathy for the state is misplaced. If, in fact, recipient families face formidable work barriers, perhaps the families should also be exempt from the two-year time limit. It is poor families facing limited job prospects who need a break, not the state!

SUSAN SMITH

Assistant Professor

USC School of Social Work